BRAHMACHARYA - 17. STOP THAT LUSTFUL LOOK! - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy

BRAHMACHARYA - 17. STOP THAT LUSTFUL LOOK! - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.

This chapter delves into the profound challenges faced by individuals striving to adhere to the discipline of Brahmacharya (celibacy), particularly in the modern world where temptations abound. The focus is on controlling the sense of sight and the thoughts that arise from it, which often lead to desire, attachment, and ultimately spiritual downfall. 

The Struggle of the Modern Aspirant
The chapter begins with real-life accounts of individuals attempting to practice Brahmacharya while navigating the temptations of everyday life. For one aspirant, the "street" becomes a battleground, with well-dressed women catching his eye and stirring unwanted desires. Another aspirant shares how his spiritual practices like Pranayama, meditative repetition of a mantra, and meditation provided a shield against impure thoughts. However, abandoning these practices left him vulnerable to lustful impulses, proving the necessity of constant vigilance and spiritual effort. 

The Power of the Lustful Gaze
The author emphasizes the perilous journey of allowing the eyes to wander with lustful intent. A simple glance can escalate into a chain of desires:

1. A look gives rise to the desire to converse.
2. Conversation fuels the desire to touch.
3. Touch leads to deeper physical and mental impurities.

To prevent such spiraling consequences, the aspirant is advised to avoid even the initial gaze that may harbor impurity. This control must extend beyond outward behavior to include the purification of inner thoughts and feelings.

Cultivating Divine Awareness
The chapter introduces the concept of Suddha Bhava (pure feeling), urging the reader to adopt a spiritual lens when looking at others. The aspirant is encouraged to view all women, irrespective of their external beauty, as manifestations of the divine. By cultivating the habit of mentally prostrating to women as forms of the Divine Mother, the aspirant can transform lustful impulses into reverence and devotion. The reader is reminded that a pure look is devoid of lust, akin to how one perceives a mother or sister with affection and no trace of desire. This transformation requires consistent effort and an unwavering belief in one’s own essential purity, as expressed in the mental affirmation, "Suddhoham, Suddhoham. I am purity, I am purity." 

The Jnani's Perspective vs. the Worldly Mind
The chapter contrasts the vision of a Jnani (enlightened being) with that of a worldly person. A Jnani perceives the world as part of their own Self and sees no separation or duality. When encountering a woman, they see only the divine essence, untouched by desire. In contrast, the worldly mind is clouded by lust, projecting its own impurities onto external forms. This distinction serves as a reminder that true mastery lies in inner transformation rather than external avoidance alone. The Jnani’s ability to maintain purity is rooted in profound self-realization and an unshakable understanding of the Self. 

Practical Techniques for Controlling Lustful Thoughts
To aid the aspirant in overcoming lustful tendencies, the chapter provides practical advice:

1. Replace Lust with Reverence: Develop a sense of awe and devotion by contemplating the divine creator behind all forms. Recognize that external beauty is transient and ultimately points to the eternal beauty of the Divine.
2. Mental Dissection: Analyze the physical body as a collection of impermanent and impure elements—flesh, bones, and bodily fluids—to counter the illusion of attractiveness.
3. Adopt Disgust and Fear: Cultivate disgust for the physical form and fear the consequences of succumbing to lust, much like one fears a venomous snake.
4. Inflict Self-Discipline: Impose mild penalties on oneself for lapses in...